Shearwater Research Petrel 2 SA (V53)

The Petrel 2 from Shearwater Research of Canada is a full decompression dive computer incorporating the Bühlmann ZHL-16C algorithm, with user configurable Gradient Factors (GF). Gradient Factors allow the diver unique and individual control of their dive computer decompression calculations. Out of the box, all models include open-circuit and closed-circuit Air, Nitrox and Trimix mixed gas functionality. An optional PIN upgrade to the Varying Permeability Model (VPM-B and VPM-B/GFS) decompression algorithm is also available. The Petrel 2 includes a richly featured 'gauge mode' configuration, along with a three-axis tilt-compensated digital compass. The included CCR mode for rebreathers provides the ability to perform constant PO2 set point calculations for deco. During a decompression dive, the Petrel 2 provides complete information displays of all required stop times. The Petrel 2 can provide time-to-surface based on "look ahead" at planned gas switches. Multiple gas definition presets are supported with any combination of oxygen, nitrogen and helium. The Petrel 2 will NOT "lockout" after a missed stop or ascent rate violation. The Petrel 2 offers a screen display utilizing a low-power consumption, 320x240 QVGA, full color LCD display. The display will automatically adjust intensity based on available light to make the display easily readable whether on the surface in sunlight, in open water or in a cave.

The Petrel 2 has been designed to accept any type of AA size battery including alkaline, lithium and rechargeables. Included with every Petrel 2 from Dive Gear Express are two elastic straps with buckles, gold contact battery holder and battery already installed (ready to dive out of the box!), USB Bluetooth adapter, mini-CD with Petrel Manual (PDF) and printed Quick Start Guide with instructions for downloading software from the Shearwater Research website. The Petrel 2 also includes a screen protector already installed to help prevent scratches of the display face. The software includes a complete dive log manager, compatible with both MS Windows and MAC OS X. The dive log manager supports log downloads and firmware updates via the Bluetooth wireless interface of the Petrel.

Technical Open-Circuit Features

Air/Nitrox/Trimix capable

5 open-circuit gas switch presets

Bühlmann ZHL-16C with Gradient Factors

Optional Varying Permeability Model (VPM-B)

%CNS oxygen exposure tracking

Ascent rate monitor

Date, time and temp display

Easy to read large full color screen

Easy to use adaptive menus

Logbook of last 1000 hours of diving

Operational to at least { 980 fsw | 300 msw}

Battery voltage and warning

Metric and Imperial

Right or left wrist mountable

Battery life (Saft 3.6V LS14500) up to 100 hours of diving

Battery life (1.5V Alkaline) up to 35 hours of diving

Rebreather Features

Constant PPO2 Set Point

Automatic Set Point Switching

5 additional CCR Diluent gas presets

2 button push OC bailout

EXT model supports External PO2 monitoring

EXT model also supports Semi-Closed

Also...

Three-axis tilt-compensated digital compass

Bluetooth Smart wireless upload/download

User upgradable firmware

User changeable battery

Dive Log Software

Two Year Limited Warranty

Recreational Open-Circuit Features

Key features of the Recreational Open-Circuit mode (aka Recreational Nitrox mode) include a simpler menu structure, less cluttered display with a larger font and configurable bottom row, optional safety stops, and a no-decompression limit dive planner. The simplified settings allow for three breathing gas mixtures (Air or Nitrox) and places a greater emphasis on the maximum operating depth (MOD) and no decompression time limit (NDL). The display prominently warns the diver if their depth is near, at or exceeds the MOD of the selected breathing gas. The diver also simply selects one of three levels of NDL conservatism and during the dive a bar graph turns from green to red as the diver approaches the NDL. An optional 3 minute countdown safety stop starts when the diver reaches shallower than { 20 feet | 6 meters } on the ascent. If the diver exceeds the NDL and requires stops, the display turns red and warns "DECO STOP" with the mandatory depth and stop times.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

So happy with Dive Gear Express. Really appreciate the extra step they employed to assure my order and credit card were authentic. Product arrived in record time. 5 stars :-)

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Shearwater Petrel 2 is great!

ByDavid W.

on10 July, 2015

While I've only dove it twice, I am already amazed at the engineering behind it. The readability of the screen (I have it on OC-REC mode) is very good but I haven't had it out at night yet. I like being able to pre-enter my gases and turn on the one I'm currently using. I thought the straps would be a problem area but they turned out to be fairly substantial. For the features and functionality, the price is more than fair. Dive Gear Express also did their usual quick order filling and shipping.

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Excellent computer

ByJaime G.

on9 July, 2015

the best tech computer!! I love it!!!

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Differences of Petrel vs Perdix Dive Computers

The Petrel was introduced in September 2012 and received a minor update as the Petrel2 in October 2014 to add the electronic compass. The Perdix, introduced in January 2016, while retaining identical software functionality represents a re-engineering of the case and electronics. The Perdix-AI, introduced in November 2016, includes support for wireless tank pressure monitoring. Compared to the Petrel display, the higher contrast Perdix display offers enhanced color range and saturation (especially reds, greens, and yellows). The power requirements of the Perdix are also significantly improved compared to the Petrel, offering 30% longer battery life (some users of the SAFT lithium battery may see as much as 50% improvement.)

The Petrel case is machined polyoxymethylene (aka POM and Delrin), which limits some of the case design options when compared to the molded fiberglass reinforced nylon Perdix case. The Perdix case is lower profile with a more contoured shape that is form fitting to the wrist. While face dimensions are similar the significantly thinner Perdix is 30% less total volume and 30% lighter than the Petrel. The Perdix case also incorporates features to support both elastic straps and bungee wrist mounts. The Petrel LCD display itself is very slightly larger than on the Perdix, but this is evident only when they are held next to each other. The Petrel is depth rated to { 980 fsw | 300 msw} and the Perdix is depth rated to { 850 fsw | 260 msw }.

Is the Petrel2 being discontinued? No. The very robust case design of the Petrel2 provides for an optional external cable connector and is better suited to integration with rebreathers. If you need support for monitoring an external oxygen sensor found on rebreathers, you must select the Petrel2 EXT. The Petrel2 design has been extensively qualified by rebreather OEMs and also written into the purchasing specifications of many governmental organizations. The Petrel2 will be with us for a long time to come.